Portable SSD Buying Guide: Speed, Durability and Compatibility
A portable SSD is the fastest way to back up photos, edit video on the go or add storage to a games console. Unlike an external hard drive, it has no moving parts, so it is faster, lighter and better at surviving drops.
What do the USB speeds mean?
| Interface | Typical portable SSD speed | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) | Up to about 1,050MB/s | Crucial X9 Pro 1TB, WD My Passport SSD 1TB |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) | Up to about 2,000MB/s | SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable 1TB, Crucial X10 1TB, Lexar SL500 1TB |
To reach the top speed, your computer needs a matching port. A Gen 2x2 drive still works on any USB port, but at that port's speed. Most Macs and many laptops do not support Gen 2x2, so a Gen 2 drive is often the better-value choice.
What else to look for
- Durability: IP55/IP65 water and dust resistance and drop protection matter if you work outdoors.
- Encryption: drives such as the WD My Passport SSD 1TB include hardware encryption and password protection.
- Connectors: drives with both USB-C and USB-A plugs, such as the TEAMGROUP X2 MAX 1TB, connect to almost anything without an adapter.
- Consoles: PS5 and Xbox Series X|S can store and play last-generation games from a portable SSD.
Recommended portable SSDs
- SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD 1TB, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2, up to 2,000MB/s - SDSSDE81-1T00-G25
- Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2, up to 2,100MB/s
- Kingston XS1000 1TB – tiny and affordable
- Kingston XS2000 1TB – rugged, Gen 2x2
- Lexar SL500 1TB Portable SSD, Elite Legends Series - LSL500X001T-RNXNG
Browse all external and portable SSDs.
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